5 races to watch as Texans go to polls today

Key matchups today test strength of tea party and durability of famous political names

In the nation's first primary of the season, Texans going to the polls Tuesday will come one step closer to filling a slate of open seats from the governor's office on down - the first time in a dozen years that so many races are competitive at the same time.

To continue reading this story, you will need to be a digital subscriber to HoustonChronicle.com.